Kenya Artificial Intelligence Bill 2026: Proposed Commissioner, Risk Rules and Safeguards
Updated October 9, 2026
Kenya’s Artificial Intelligence Bill, 2026 (Senate Bill No. 4 of 2026) proposes a national framework for AI oversight. It would create an Office of the Artificial Intelligence Commissioner and set duties for certain AI providers and deployers. These are proposed rules, not legal requirements currently in force.
What the Bill proposes
- An AI Commissioner: a proposed office to oversee compliance, develop guidance, investigate complaints and maintain a public register of high-risk systems.
- Risk-based oversight: systems would be classified by risk, with additional obligations for systems used in areas such as health, education, finance, employment and public administration.
- Assessments and records: high-risk providers and deployers would be required to assess risks and human-rights impacts, keep documentation, and address cybersecurity and data-protection issues.
- Transparency and human review: the Bill proposes disclosures about system purpose and automation, and human intervention safeguards where automated decisions affect individuals.
- Testing and complaints: the proposed office could operate supervised regulatory sandboxes and receive complaints about AI harms.
Where the Bill stands
The Senate’s published bills register lists the proposal. The latest Senate order paper we located, dated June 18, scheduled it for Second Reading; we could not verify a later passage or assent in the official records checked for this update. Readers and businesses should not treat the draft as an enacted law.
What businesses should watch
If enacted, the final duties would depend on the law passed by Parliament and any regulations made under it. Businesses should continue following existing requirements, including the Data Protection Act where applicable, and check official notices for changes rather than assuming the Bill’s draft clauses already apply.
